Funder Scoring Rubric Template 2025

A consistent scoring rubric keeps grant prospecting focused on opportunities you can win and deliver well. Use this template to evaluate funders against weighted criteria and align your pipeline with strategy.

TL;DR

Select criteria covering mission fit, award size, win likelihood, and delivery burden.
Weight criteria based on the priorities captured in the risk appetite workshop.
Link scores to the pipeline board and reporting calendarto guide bid/no-bid decisions.

Scoring table structure

Figure 1. Suggested funder scoring rubric (alt text: table showing criteria, weighting, description, scoring guidance).

Criterion	Weight	Description	Scoring guidance (1–5)
Strategic fit	30%	Alignment with mission, geography, and beneficiaries	1 = weak link, 5 = core priority area
Funding potential	20%	Award size, duration, renewal potential	1 = < £25k once; 5 = multi-year £250k+
Win likelihood	20%	Historic success data, relationship warmth, competition	1 = cold prospect; 5 = invited or returning grantee
Delivery burden	15%	Reporting load, cashflow, compliance overheads	1 = heavy burden; 5 = light-touch
Impact amplification	15%	Ability to scale or deepen outcomes, leverage match	1 = incremental; 5 = step-change

Apply the rubric

Score each funder and calculate weighted totals. Set a threshold for automatic bid/no-bid calls, and document exceptions in the change control register. Update Crafty opportunity notes with the final score so writers see priorities immediately.

Next steps and downloads

Download the scoring spreadsheet, meeting agenda, and action tracker. Store them in Crafty so every pipeline review uses consistent criteria.

Action plan

Populate scores for current prospects ahead of your next RAG pipeline meeting.
Agree thresholds and escalation rules with trustees or the leadership team.
Sync the rubric with Crafty so bid writers see scores when drafting.

Key takeaways

A weighted rubric brings objectivity to prospect selection.
Updating scores regularly keeps the pipeline aligned with strategy and risk appetite.
Integrating results with Crafty, change control, and reporting calendars supports fast decisions.

Summary and next steps

Build the rubric, score your funders, and let Crafty surface the best-fit opportunities. The result: fewer dead-end bids and stronger resource alignment.

Adopt the rubric for every new opportunity review.
Review weights annually alongside risk appetite and strategy refreshes.
Share scores with trustees via the oversight pack.